Mother Nature Knows Breast

Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Road, Co. Cork, 2016

Mother Nature Knows Breast
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CATEGORY: Make Our World Healthier Challenge (Physical Health)

The Idea

The main goal of this project is to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland.  The team aims to get more support i.e. lactation consultants, for breastfeeding mothers in Ireland. We hope to reduce the social stigma that surrounds breastfeeding in Irish society today. We aim to learn about the skill of breastfeeding and share our knowledge with others. We also aim to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding.

The team chose this social issue because, Ireland has some of the world's lowest breastfeeding rates and the lowest in Europe. It is a major issue in Irish society today. This issue is not being spoken about enough in the media. As an all girls school, the project team felt that this is an issue that is very relevant in their lives. and they wanted to make a difference.

The Action

The team carried out extensive research on this social issue. Surveys were sent to a diverse range of groups with varying ages and gender. Members of the YSI group attended a screening of the breastfeeding documentary  “Milk” by Noemi Weiss. 

The team conducted a social experiment - placing a woman who was breastfeeding in a public setting such as a shopping centre or park. They observed and filmed the public’s reaction. With this we aim to get a better understanding of people’s reactions and feelings towards public breastfeeding.

They held a photoshoot with photos of breastfeeding women and plan to produce a documentary. 

The Impact

The team plans to produce a documentary and lesson plan in an effort to get breastfeeding education introduced onto the Irish school curriculum.

Award Winner
2016 Making Our World Healthier - Physical Health
Challenge supported by
Make Our World Healthier Challenge (Physical Health)